Risk Management

The Risk Management office of Columbus State University is a division of the Office of Legal Affairs, Ethics, and Compliance. Its missions and goals are to, in a timely and professional manner, minimalize the adverse effects of loss due to accidents or unexpected events that jeopardize the wellbeing of the university community and the realization of its institutional objectives. This is accomplished by being a resource to the university in the areas of general risk management, claims management, and risk transference though obtaining adequate insurance coverage.

Risk management is the acceptance of responsibility for recognizing, identifying, and controlling the exposures to loss or injury which are created by the activities of the University. There are four methods for treating risk:

• Avoidance - A risk may be avoided by not accepting or entering into the event which has hazards. This method has severe limitations because such a choice is not always possible, or if possible, it may require giving up some important advantages. Nevertheless, in some situations risk avoidance is both possible and desirable.
• Reduction - Risks can be reduced by implementation of standard operating procedures, education and training, limiting the numbers or types of participants, establishing security methodologies, preventive maintenance, etc.
• Transfer - Risks can be transferred to other parties through purchase of insurance. Purchasing insurance should always be the last option for risk reduction.
• Retention, Assumption or Acceptance - Insurance deductibles are an example of retained risks. Some situations or activities are uninsurable and non-transferable, or the cost of insurance is prohibitive. Risks associated with these situations/activities are assumed by the University as part of the cost of doing business.

A successful Risk Management program requires close coordination with, and cooperation from the total University community for identification of potential risks and prompt notification of claims for losses sustained.

View CSU's Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse (PDF) and Youth Programs for Minors / Staff & Volunteer Code of Conduct (PDF).